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Aston Villa's Robbie Keane rules out permanent return to Premier League from LA Galaxy
The Republic of Ireland international is on loan at Villa Park on a short-term deal but insists he has no plans on leaving the MLS to return to England on a permanent basis
Jan 14, 2012 7:23:00 PM
By Danny Hart
Getty Images
Robbie Keane has ruled out making a permanent move back to the Premier League after joining Aston Villa on loan from LA Galaxy.
The Irishman has moved to Villa Park on a two-month loan deal in a bid to boost his fitness ahead of the new MLS season in March, but he insists he is happy to stay in America after enjoying a successful first few months which saw him win the MLS Cup.
“Come back permanently? No. I am quite happy in the MLS. I have really enjoyed the three months I have had there so far. It is a great lifestyle out there for the family," he told the Sunday Mirror.
“It’s nice to have the opportunity to come back for a couple of months, but when that ends I am looking forward to getting back with the Galaxy," he added. "I was having the time off that I wanted, but then I got some phone calls and when one of them was from Villa it was a club I felt immediately I would be comfortable with, because of the people I already know there.”
The Republic of Ireland striker also insisted he has no immediate plans to retire from international football, with new Villa teammates Richard Dunne and Shay Given also keen to continue playing for their country.
“I’ve made it clear that I am happy enough to keep playing for Ireland as long as I feel sharp enough to do so,” he added. "At the moment if I still feel good then there will be no reason to retire. I believe Richard and Shay have already said they want to carry on, and Shay is about 50 now!”
The Irishman has moved to Villa Park on a two-month loan deal in a bid to boost his fitness ahead of the new MLS season in March, but he insists he is happy to stay in America after enjoying a successful first few months which saw him win the MLS Cup.
“Come back permanently? No. I am quite happy in the MLS. I have really enjoyed the three months I have had there so far. It is a great lifestyle out there for the family," he told the Sunday Mirror.
“It’s nice to have the opportunity to come back for a couple of months, but when that ends I am looking forward to getting back with the Galaxy," he added. "I was having the time off that I wanted, but then I got some phone calls and when one of them was from Villa it was a club I felt immediately I would be comfortable with, because of the people I already know there.”
The Republic of Ireland striker also insisted he has no immediate plans to retire from international football, with new Villa teammates Richard Dunne and Shay Given also keen to continue playing for their country.
“I’ve made it clear that I am happy enough to keep playing for Ireland as long as I feel sharp enough to do so,” he added. "At the moment if I still feel good then there will be no reason to retire. I believe Richard and Shay have already said they want to carry on, and Shay is about 50 now!”
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